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Dog has ‘sadness’ in her eyes from chaotic shelter life. Meet the sweet Kentucky girl

Sweet D.C., lounging around in the grass
Sweet D.C., lounging around in the grass Photo screen grab from Ashland Animal Rescue Fund's Facebook

A shelter environment can be rough on a pet that’s not used to the loud sounds, barking and people going in and out. It can weigh heavy on a skittish pup’s mental state.

This is the case with D.C. No matter how much love and help she receives while waiting for a new home at the Ashland Animal Rescue Fund in Kentucky, the chaos around her can still be jolting.

“D.C., a beautiful 63 lb. girl, approximately a year old. We may never know all that she’s been through, but we are committed to ensuring that the rest of her life is filled with love, safety, trust, and commitment,” the shelter said in a March 26 Facebook post.

“When she first came to us, she was malnourished, scared, and unsure of the world around her. Despite her past, when you look into her eyes, you can see the sweetest soul — though there’s a sadness there that breaks our hearts.”

Even though she’s safe and healing, she needs a place where she can feel calm.

“The kennel environment, with all its noise and chaos, is especially overwhelming for her. She’s not comfortable here and needs a home where she can feel secure, cherished, and understood,” the shelter said.

“We are looking for a family who will be her safe haven, someone who will always put her needs first and ensure she never has to face neglect or fear again.”

D.C. is a Labrador retriever but her past remains a mystery, according to her pet profile.

“D.C. deserves a family who will help her blossom into the loving, happy dog we know she has the potential to be,” the shelter noted.

For more information on D.C. and other adoptable pets, visit the shelter’s website.

Ashland is about a 125-mile drive northeast from Lexington.

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This story was originally published March 27, 2025 at 9:16 AM with the headline "Dog has ‘sadness’ in her eyes from chaotic shelter life. Meet the sweet Kentucky girl."

TJ Macias
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
TJ Macías is a Real-Time national sports reporter for McClatchy based out of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Formerly, TJ covered the Dallas Mavericks and Texas Rangers beat for numerous media outlets including 24/7 Sports and Mavs Maven (Sports Illustrated). Twitter: @TayloredSiren
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